Almanac: At the Capitol

Citzens call on the legislature for health care reform, a bill reforming the way schools share services is introduced, and an effort is begun to strengthen the state's seat belt law.

View the Capitol Update for January 8, 2009.

At the State Republican Convention Governor Tim Pawlenty just challenged the Republican Party to have broad appeal and reach out. He told the story of his working class siblings who are all Democrats. And when he pointed out how they had common ground on many issues like education, healthcare and security, he asked them why they weren't Republicans and they said "they're not for the working people." Pawlenty said that "shows the perception we've got to get over." He said Republicans have not done as good a job of making meaningful connections with voters. The New York Times' David Brooks labeled Pawlenty the "godfather of Sam's Club conservatism" and his message today certainly speaks to that. We talked to all of Pawlenty's siblings all at one time he first ran for office, here's part of those profiles.

Pawlenty seemed relaxed and confident, speaking from the hip which he does well. He made a case for his "friend John McCain" and reminded the convention about McCain's service to country telling the story of the prisoner of war stitching an American flag in captivity. He told the convention which has been feisty and divided because of the Ron Paul issue "when the gavel comes down we have to unite."

It wasn't always pretty, but this group of leaders proved they can lead. It may have been a deal cut behind closed doors, but they all walk away winning. The public and the press had a hard time getting access and information along the way, but this session will have delivered on all the biggest issues: education, healthcare, property taxes, transportation and the environment. That's quite a list for what's supposed to be a short bonding session. Gov. Pawlenty said “this process yielded common results.”

There were some sights many thought they’d never see. Pogemiller and Pawlenty sharing a hearty handshake (along with a few humorous jabs too) and the Senate Majority Leader and Gov. Pawlenty heaping praise on the House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Pogemiller said "the speaker of the House made this happen." Pogemiller even complimented Pawlenty acknowledging "the governor and I have had a challenging relationship over the years, but he was dignified, rational and tough."

Education and nursing homes get an increase. Property taxes should be reduced or at least not increased dramatically. There's the first new state park in decades on Lake Vermillion and a new mass transit line on the Central Corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Veterans get a new nursing home and tax relief. A billion dollar budget shortfall is solved. But the next budget still faces problems and next year lawmakers and the governor will have to face that.

Leaders and the governor have been back behind closed doors trying to finalize a deal on education, healthcare and property taxes. Hmmm, those are three issues Democrats ran on, won the House with and declared "we'll be focused on these like a laser beam." It would be a big win for the House and Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher if they can deliver on that. If Pawlenty is able to cut a deal he can look like a winner too, proving he can close a deal. Everyone says Sen. Roger Moe was the ultimate deal-closer because everyone walked away feeling like they won. I ran into Moe today at the Capitol and asked him about negotiations and he said "they'll do it." We'll see if this group of people can do it. They haven't yet.

The House and Senate are done on the floor for the night. That's not a good sign for a global deal. They'll be back in at 10am Saturday.

The Speaker of the House says they're "nearly done" and very close to an end of session deal. She expects to finish up Saturday and have no Sunday session. Minority Leader Marty Seifert agreed they are "much closer" and could wrap it up tonight. More from all four legislative leaders live on Almanac tonight. And we uncovered a story about Gov. Pawlenty's vetoes and some new threats. That along with one-on-one with former Gov. Jesse Ventura. Should be a fun show!